of the angels, crying out: “Prostrate yourselves!” They therefore cleansed themselves of the pollution that had seeped in with their claim, “while we…” (al-Baqarah 2:30), washing with the water of excuse poured into the vessel of “We have no knowledge” (al-Baqarah 2:32); and so they bowed in the pure state of submission.

Iblīs, however, moved off to one side and did not prostrate, for he was foul—sullied by the impurity of objection. Such filth could never be removed by any ritual cleansing, for it was inherent.

When Adam’s perfection had been completed, it was said: “A beauty-spot must adorn the face of ‘Prostrate yourselves.’ ” Destiny therefore ran its course through the sin, so that the mark of servitude might be revealed in humility.

O Adam! Had that single mouthful been waived for you, the envious would have asked, “How can someone who could not restrain his craving from a single tree be preferred?”

Had you not descended, the sighs of yearning would never have risen, the heavenly messages of “Is there anyone who asks?” (1) would never have been sent down, and the fragrances of “and the breath of the fasting person…” (2) would never have wafted. It thus became clear that your eating was not born of gluttony.

O Adam! Your laughter in Paradise was for your own sake, whereas your weeping in the abode of obligation is for Ours.

No harm befalls the one whom My majesty breaks when My grace renews him. The robe of honour befits only a frame clothed in brokenness. I am with those whose hearts are broken for My sake (3).

That single bite continued to confront him until its malady gained mastery over his children, so He sent